Indy 500 star rookie Carlos Munoz joins Andretti Autosport

Munoz made his IndyCar Series debut at the 2013 Indianapolis 500.

INDIANAPOLIS - Four-time IndyCar Series champions Andretti Autosport confirmed today that Colombian Carlos Munoz will join the team's IndyCar stable for 2014. The former Firestone Indy Lights standout will join Marco Andretti, James Hinchcliffe and Ryan Hunter-Reay for the Indianapolis-based team's four-car IndyCar squad. Sponsorship details for Munoz's entry will be announced at a later date.

Munoz made his IndyCar Series debut at the 2013 Indianapolis 500 where he earned Rookie of the Year honors for starting on the front row and, after leading the historic race for 12 laps, finishing in the second position.

The 21-year-old also competed in IndyCar's Grand Prix of Toronto in July, as well as the season finale at Auto Club Speedway where he competed in both the (formerly) Firestone Indy Lights and IndyCar Series events.

Carlos Munoz

Photo by: Rebecca McKay

The Colombian recorded five Indy Lights pole positions and four wins (Barber, Long Beach, Pocono and Fontana) in 2013, marking his career-best year in two seasons of Indy Lights competition.

Throughout his time spent at the final step of the Mazda Road to Indy ladder, Munoz has accrued six wins, six pole positions, 10 podiums and 20 top-10 finishes. The Indy Lights veteran came away with a fifth-place finish in the 2012 championship point's standings and third for 2013.

Carlos Munoz, Indycar Driver, Andretti Autosport: "I don't have the words to express right now how I feel. After so many years of racing and all the sacrifices - leaving my family in Colombia and going to Europe to race, then coming here to the U.S. - but finally, I'm a professional race car driver in the maximum category in America, IndyCar. I have to thank Andretti Autosport, and especially Michael Andretti, for this opportunity.

To be a part of this team, they believe a lot in me, and to pay them back would be to bring them great results. With that, I have to work hard in all aspects - mentally and physically. I'm really happy and I'm looking forward to start practicing and testing. I also have to thank my family for all of their support all these years. Finally my dream has come true. Also to my fans for being here and believing in me; this is just the beginning."

Michael Andretti, Chairman, President and Ceo, Andretti Autosport: "Carlos stepped up this season and showed outstanding potential on track in Indy and Fontana. We are looking forward to welcoming him as a full time IndyCar driver and seeing what 2014 has in store. We are confident that his success in Indy Lights will carry on into his IndyCar career."